Bond: Biden Pick a Non-Factor in McCain's Pick

In Conference Call, Missouri's Senior Senator Kit Bond says Barack Obama's selection of Senator Joe Biden solidifies that team as the most liberal Democratic ticket in history.

Sen. Kit Bond called Barack Obama and Joe Biden the most liberal Democratic presidential ticket in history Monday, during a conference call just hours before the opening gavel of the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

"He's a nice guy, not denying that, but he's the third most liberal member of the Senate," said Sen. Bond, referring to Biden. He went on to characterize Biden as an "east coast liberal" who doesn't understand the needs of Missouri housewives and farmers struggling with rising energy costs." "In choosing Joe Biden, he's solidified the most liberal ticket ever put forward by the Democratic party," Bond said.

Bond said that Sen. John McCain would not be "too upset or flustered" about this selection. He said it would be a "non-factor" in who McCain ultimately chooses for his number two. The presumptive Republican nominee is expected to announce his choice Friday, the day after the Democratic Convention concludes.

"John will choose somebody he's comfortable with," Bond said, offering few hints on who it might be. He said he doesn't necessarily need someone to provide a counterweight to Biden's experience because the Republicans have foreign policy gravitas, "at the top of the ticket."

"I don't think this changes anything for John McCain," Bond said.

Bond said he believes both former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty would be formidable picks because of their executive experience. "Governor Pawlenty, Governor Romney, I'd throw in Governor Haley Barbour," Bond said. "I don't think he'll make a choice for politics," he added.